Using outcomes research to validate the advanced practice nursing role administratively

The health care system has been forced to respond to the demand for changes in care provision. The changes have produced an opportunity for APNs to become a partner in care in the ICU. With the new opportunities APNs have been challenged to quantify the quality and fiscal effectiveness of their practices in the critical care arena. Administrators have a vested interest in the success of the organization, which includes the concepts of fiscal viability and quality care and patient and family satisfaction. There are data available to help formulate the rational argument for the inclusion of APNs in critical care. By using the data APNs can prove that their presence has a positive impact on the quality and financial outcomes of care. APNs can have a positive impact on the organization in all of the ways that are important to the administration. They can transform the current practice and improve the quality of the care. In presenting the outcome data of the APN role to administrators, APNs can be successful in gaining support for their role. APNs are vital components of the healthcare system and gaining recognition of the true value of the role is key to ensuring the ability of APNs to meet today's healthcare challenges for the improvement of patient care.